Armenia: Tatev Monastery, Hin Areni Winery & Khndzoresk Caves Tour

Summary

Ancient wineries, ropeway rides and cave bridges in Armenia’s wild southeast

You’ll taste ancient Armenian wines in Areni village, soar over deep gorges on the Wings of Tatev cable car to explore Tatev Monastery, then cross the swinging bridge above Khndzoresk’s cave city. Expect stories from your local guide, plenty of laughs (and maybe shaky knees), plus all tickets and tastings included for a full day out east.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to start my day sipping wine that’s older than most civilizations. But there we were in Areni village, with the air smelling faintly of grapes and wet stone, standing inside the Hin Areni Winery. Our guide (Ani — she had this patient way of answering my endless questions) explained how winemaking here goes back 6,000 years. The tasting was a mix of tart reds and laughter — I tried to pronounce “Areni” properly but mostly failed. The drive out of Yerevan was quiet at first, just the hum of wheels and a few sleepy jokes from our group.

The cable car to Tatev Monastery is something else. It’s called the Wings of Tatev — apparently the world’s longest reversible ropeway? Anyway, it glides over this deep gorge that made my stomach drop a little (in a good way). Ani pointed out tiny villages tucked into folds of green hills as we floated above everything. The monastery itself feels like it grew right out of the cliffs. Inside was cool and dim, with candle smoke hanging in the air. I touched one of the old stones and thought about how many hands had done that before me — kind of humbling.

Later at Khndzoresk cave city, things got a bit wobbly — literally. There’s this long swinging bridge strung across a gorge; you can see all the old cave dwellings carved into both sides. My legs were shaking but some local kids ran past me laughing like it was nothing. Ani told us stories about rebels hiding here centuries ago. There was this moment halfway across when I just stopped and looked down at all those caves… wind in my face, hands gripping the wire railings tighter than I’d admit.

We ended up back in Yerevan tired but still talking about that bridge (and honestly, about which wine we liked best). Sometimes you don’t realize how much history you’re walking through until you’re actually there — or maybe dangling above it for a few minutes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Winery, Ropeway, Monastery, and Caves

• Start and return point
• Visit Hin Areni wine factory
• Enjoy wine tasting at winery
• Ride Wings of Tatev ropeway
• Tour Tatev monastery complex
• Explore Khndzoresk cave city
• Walk across swinging bridge

Top questions

How long does the Armenia: Tatev Monastery & Hin Areni Winery tour last?

The duration is approximate but covers a full day including travel from Yerevan and all stops.

Is wine tasting included on this tour?

Yes, wine tasting at Hin Areni Winery is included as part of the experience.

Does the tour include entry fees for attractions?

Admission tickets for all sites are included in your booking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide leads tours consecutively in English and Russian.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No traditional lunch is mentioned; however, bottled water and pastries are provided on board.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may sit on laps or use strollers.

How high is the swinging bridge at Khndzoresk?

The bridge stands 63 meters above the deepest point in the gorge and stretches 160 meters long.

Does this tour operate year-round?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; guests are advised to dress appropriately for changing weather.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Yerevan by air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, guided visits (in English or Russian) to Hin Areni Winery with wine tasting, entry tickets to Tatev Monastery via Wings of Tatev ropeway and Khndzoresk caves with its swinging bridge adventure. Bottled water and pastries are offered along the way before returning to your starting point in Yerevan.